Pathways to Work

stepdeb

Hi everyone,

I am on incapacity benefit and have been referred by the Jobcentre Plus to a provider for 'Pathways to Work'. I was told that this is mandatory and if I didn't go my benefit could be stopped.

I attended the first 'work-focused interview' and said that the organisation couldn't help me as I am capable of finding work myself and did not need their support. Again I was told it was mandatory. I asked where it said it was mandatory and after several letters of complaint was told which piece of legislation stated it. When I looked it does not say that at all, so now I have written to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to say that the DWP has basically lied.

Has anyone else had similar problems? The fact that I have been signed off work because of polyarthritis and have to attend 5 'mandatory' sessions which for me is a waste of time and stresses me out, is a waste of taxpayers money.

I would really love to be able to work, but at the moment can't. I feel that all bureacracy has gone mad.

Any feedback would be welcome. I am going to see my MP on Friday and would like to campaign about this. What do you think?

Best wishes
Debbie

valval

my son got 3 a levels and spent 3 years at uni doing accountancy on leaving uni was out of work for a while and they sent him for a basic maths test can u belive it can they not read his exam results why waste money sending him for something so simple when others need time and money spent on them stupid is the only word for it

woodbon

Hi I've said it before about the same subject and I'll say it again, the World has gone mad. I do know what you mean I'm going through the process at the moment even though I was medically retired from the county Council, who refused to even look at redeployment and gave me my pension at the enhanced rate! I am so fed up as I've seen so many doctors and HR people as well as DHS people, that I am sick of it and tempted to not bother as most people get refused the first time and have to appeal. So, yes MAD.

I hope you manage to get through to your MP and get some sense from them. I've written and complained to my MP and others have as well. For me it was the first time I've ever bothered to contact my MP! :shock: Good luck, love Sue

stepdeb

woodbon wrote:

Hi I've said it before about the same subject and I'll say it again, the World has gone mad. I do know what you mean I'm going through the process at the moment even though I was medically retired from the county Council, who refused to even look at redeployment and gave me my pension at the enhanced rate! I am so fed up as I've seen so many doctors and HR people as well as DHS people, that I am sick of it and tempted to not bother as most people get refused the first time and have to appeal. So, yes MAD.

I hope you manage to get through to your MP and get some sense from them. I've written and complained to my MP and others have as well. For me it was the first time I've ever bothered to contact my MP! :shock: Good luck, love Sue

thank you Sue and Val,

I will let you know how Friday goes and if I get a positive response from Yvette Cooper (the Secretary of State for W & P)!

Debbie

donboon

A close Asian friend of mine had Polio when he was a child which has left his left arm and hand practically useless and his left leg not much better. He's been on Incapacity for about four years as he's in his mid 50's and feeling worn out with the pain. They ordered him to do the same so I suggested he turns up in a white coat with clipboard. Like an idiot he did. They asked him what he was doing and he said "I'm conducting a survey on your approach to torture". They sent him home and he's heard nothing since. Sometimes it best to be as mad as they are..

stepdeb

donboon wrote:

A close Asian friend of mine had Polio when he was a child which has left his left arm and hand practically useless and his left leg not much better. He's been on Incapacity for about four years as he's in his mid 50's and feeling worn out with the pain. They ordered him to do the same so I suggested he turns up in a white coat with clipboard. Like an idiot he did. They asked him what he was doing and he said "I'm conducting a survey on your approach to torture". They sent him home and he's heard nothing since. Sometimes it best to be as mad as they are..

I agree! I did think of going in my mobility scooter as I don't think the lift is big enough to get to the office. I don't understand why if your GP has signed you off and you actually want to work, why you are made to see people who aren't as qualified or experienced as you - and certainly don't know about what it is like to be in pain and disabled.
Sorry about rant.... I get so upset just thinking about it and out of principle I will fight this battle all the way. The DWP cannot say one thing when the leglislation says something else.
I was thinking about contacting a national radio station and may well try that next.
Sorry to winge.
Debbie

sharmaine

Hi Debbie

I'm also claiming ESA. I've attended all my meetings. I just thought it was part of the claims process and just didn't question it. They asked about my health and visits to the GP - I'm sure they contact them and probably have this information on file. I'm also signed off and waiting for first TKR. I'm physically unable to work. I just went through their hoops and it wasn't so bad as it was not far from where I lived. It is very evident that I have trouble walking/standing etc as my dodgy knees mean that I walk with a pronounced limp.

Sharmaine

stepdeb

sharmaine wrote:

Hi Debbie

I'm also claiming ESA. I've attended all my meetings. I just thought it was part of the claims process and just didn't question it. They asked about my health and visits to the GP - I'm sure they contact them and probably have this information on file. I'm also signed off and waiting for first TKR. I'm physically unable to work. I just went through their hoops and it wasn't so bad as it was not far from where I lived. It is very evident that I have trouble walking/standing etc as my dodgy knees mean that I walk with a pronounced limp.

Sharmaine

Hi Sharmaine,
My husband said I should just go through with it, but I feel very angry that I was told it was mandatory when it is not. As you know when you hurt and have problems walking the last thing you need to do is be summoned to go to their interviews. Anyway, for anyone else who is told they have to attend - please make a point that if they tell you it is mandatory tell them that the leglislation says it is not (I will let anyone know if interested). The DWP need to be more discerning about who they refer - I thought it was obvious when I went for the first interview at jobcentre plus that the woman could see that I was in pain - walking on crutches and on morphine etc at that time.
I know it is not the fault of those that work at the DWP and pathways to work organisations because I am sure they are told that people 'must' attend. However, that is not the case.
I hope your TKR is successful.
Debbie

sharmaine

Hi Debbie
I understand where you're coming from. I think they may see you just to ascertain (a) you're who you say you are (b) that you're not trying to pull a fast one (c) and you're genuinely unable to work.

There are some people who are capable of working and claiming benefit which costs the government a lot of money.

I suppose it's like most things the innocent have to suffer for the guilty.

Your point is an interesting one.

Sharmaine

stepdeb wrote:

sharmaine wrote:

Hi Debbie

I'm also claiming ESA. I've attended all my meetings. I just thought it was part of the claims process and just didn't question it. They asked about my health and visits to the GP - I'm sure they contact them and probably have this information on file. I'm also signed off and waiting for first TKR. I'm physically unable to work. I just went through their hoops and it wasn't so bad as it was not far from where I lived. It is very evident that I have trouble walking/standing etc as my dodgy knees mean that I walk with a pronounced limp.

Sharmaine

Hi Sharmaine,
My husband said I should just go through with it, but I feel very angry that I was told it was mandatory when it is not. As you know when you hurt and have problems walking the last thing you need to do is be summoned to go to their interviews. Anyway, for anyone else who is told they have to attend - please make a point that if they tell you it is mandatory tell them that the leglislation says it is not (I will let anyone know if interested). The DWP need to be more discerning about who they refer - I thought it was obvious when I went for the first interview at jobcentre plus that the woman could see that I was in pain - walking on crutches and on morphine etc at that time.
I know it is not the fault of those that work at the DWP and pathways to work organisations because I am sure they are told that people 'must' attend. However, that is not the case.
I hope your TKR is successful.
Debbie